Injection Molded r‑PET: technical innovation meets high aesthetic performance
In EPS, we believe that sustainability and high‑performance plastics can coexist. That’s why we use recycled PET (r‑PET) in injection molding to create components that demand dimensional precision, mechanical stability, and excellent aesthetics.
For years, r‑PET has been associated almost exclusively with blow‑molded bottles and preforms. Today, r‑PET is successfully used in injection molding to produce sustainable, high‑quality parts. In our company we’ve already applied this technology to rigid packaging solutions.
But using r‑PET isn’t as simple as replacing one polymer with another. It requires a dedicated technical approach—from feasibility studies to mold design and process optimization.
How r‑PET injection molding works
The basic principle is the same as traditional polymers: the material is injected into a mold, cooled, and ejected as a finished part.
The challenge lies in managing the melting behavior of recycled PET. Its sensitivity to temperature and crystallization demands:
- precise mold temperature control
- advanced cooling systems
- stable processing parameters
When these elements are aligned, r‑PET delivers excellent repeatability and high‑quality results, even in mass production.
EPS know‑how: balancing R&D, mold design and process control
Working with r‑PET means balancing technical performance with aesthetic expectations, especially when geometries become complex. Our technical crew designs molds specifically for r‑PET, taking care of the right steel selection, surface treatments and finishes, corrosion resistance, and optimized flow channels and injection points. The goal is clear: to produce parts that are transparent and uniform. Achieving this requires consistent thermal management and uniform wall thicknesses.
On the processing side, our technical team evaluates every parameter from the earliest feasibility stages:
- correct material dehumidification
- dedicated injection screws
- advanced cooling control systems
This integrated approach allows us to achieve mechanical properties comparable to virgin PET—while using a recycled material.
Why choose r‑PET for injection molding
Using r‑PET offers tangible advantages:
- Significant reduction in virgin polymer use
- Traceability and certifications, including food‑contact where applicable
- Lower environmental impact without compromising performance
Thanks to the synergy between R&D and process engineering, EPS produces r‑PET injection‑molded packaging with aesthetics and high quality design comparable to virgin materials—yet with a much smaller environmental footprint.
r‑PET and sustainability: a new frontier for packaging
Recycled PET for injection molding is more than a material choice—it’s a technological opportunity. It enables brands to combine performance, design, and sustainability in a single solution.
We’re committed to expanding these possibilities through continuous research: read more about EPS ECO LAB
R‑PET and environmental impact
In EPS, recycled injection‑moulded PET unlocks new opportunities for high‑value technical and premium‑looking packaging, delivering the perfect balance of performance, design and sustainability.
